DHAKA, Oct 16, 2025 (BSS) –The Department of Fisheries is conducting a 22-day nationwide “Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive-2025” from October 4 to 25 to protect hilsa during its peak breeding season.

Drives are underway across 178 upazilas in 38 districts, with joint efforts from local administrations, fisheries officials, and law enforcement agencies. 

As of October 16, a total of 5,085 drives and 1,175 mobile court operations have been conducted, resulting in 1,301 cases, 1,047 jail sentences and Tk 42.43 lakh as fines.

Authorities have seized 428.47 lakh meters of illegal nets and 57.1 metric tonnes of hilsa, which were distributed among orphanages. 

"The auction of seized fishing gear added Tk 31.13 lakh to the government fund," sources said. 

To support affected fishermen, 15,503 metric tonnes of VGF rice were allocated for 6.2 lakh fishermen, of which 99.34 percent has already been distributed.

Nine persons were injured during operations, while the Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting with surveillance and enforcement, including deep-sea patrols and aerial monitoring.

The drive will continue until October 25.